With just a few weeks until the kick-off of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, clubs from the English top-flight are busy behind the scenes strengthening their squads ahead of the new campaign. Here are some of the latest transfer stories:
Arsenal favourites to sign Lille star
According to the Daily Express, Arsenal look set to win the race for Lille’s highly-rated centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in a deal reported to be worth around £27million. The British new publication claims that the Brazilian is set to travel to London earlier next week to complete the deal.
The 22-year-old impressed for LOSC last season at the heart of their defence. His performances caught the attention of many clubs in the top echelons of the European game. In March, Everton were supposedly close to sealing a deal for the Brazilian. However, the Merseysider’s could not finalise the deal and dropped out of the race, with strengthening their central midfield a priority.
Italian club Napoli and Manchester United have also made late moves for Magalhaes. However, reportedly the youngster has been impressed by Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta. The signing will be quite a coup for the club from north London, who will also have the talents of young French defender Willian Saliba, who was spent last season on-loan at his former club Saint-Etienne.
Chelsea set to sign Leicester star
Elsewhere, across the English capital, Chelsea are poised to complete the £50million signing of Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell early next week according to reports from Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Blues since last summer. However, it seems that Frank Lampard’s outfit will finally nab the England international’s signature next week.
Chilwell has enjoyed a superb 12 months. He has not only has he cemented his position as Leicester’s first-choice left-back, but he has also become first-choice for England in the position too. Chilwell has gone on to make 11 international appearances since making his debut back in 2018. The signing of the defender is part of Lampard’s attempts at strengthening a highly vulnerable defence.
The Daily Mail claims that the Foxes will turn to Ajax and Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as Chilwell’s replacement. The 27-year-old is believed to fancy a move to the English top-flight. However, he would favour a switch to a club playing Champions League football next season.
Thiago Silva a defensive option for Chelsea
Back at Chelsea and it seems Chilwell may not be the only defensive reinforcement arriving this summer. According to the Daily Star, the Blues are also interested in signing veteran PSG centre-back Thiago Silva.
The 35-year-old will make a decision on his future after PSG take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Sunday night. Why not check out our preview of European football’s elite competition on our soccer predictions page.
Silva is out of contract with the Parisians this summer. The Star reports that the Brazilians representatives have already held talks with the club from the English capital. The experienced Brazilian has also been linked with a return to Serie A with former club AC Milan.
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Will Chelsea be able to mount a Premier League title challenge by strengthening their defence?
